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The Wedding Countdown
Planning a wedding takes organisation; here's everything you need to think about.
Image © lovegroveweddings.com
As soon as possible
- Tell relatives and close friends your happy news
- Put an announcement in the local paper
- Arrange the first meeting with the minister or registrar
- For a civil ceremony, book the registrar and register office/civil venue
- Set the wedding budget
- Ask parents if they would like to contribute
- Choose your best man, bridesmaids and other attendants
- Decide on the number of guests and draw up a potential guest list
- Visit possible venues
- Post 'save the date' cards
- Discuss menu options with possible caterers and get estimates for the food and drink
- Make all reception bookings
- Start looking for your wedding dress and attendants' outfits
- Book your photographer and videographer
- Arrange wedding insurance
Three-six months before
- Arrange a second meeting with your minister to discuss the ceremony and agree a date for publication of the banns. If the ceremony is to be in a church other than the Church or England, notice of the marriage must be given to the local superintendent registrar
- Choose the hymns, music and readings for the ceremony
- Order the stationery
- Book the musicians for the reception
- Choose a florist and have an initial meeting about the flowers
- Order the wedding cake
- Book the wedding transport
- Arrange dress fittings and shop for bridesmaids' dresses and accessories
- Book a first night hotel
- Book your honeymoon
- Check passports are valid and arrange any inoculations/medication
- Choose your wedding rings
- Organise your gift list
Two months before
- Finalise your order of service and order the printed versions
- Post invitations with gift list details
- Start a pre-wedding beauty regime
- Buy lingerie and other accessories
- Check the groom and best man have organised their outfits
- Choose presents for all your attendants
One month before
- Book hairdresser and make-up for the morning of the wedding
- Make sure everyone involved knows what is happening and when
- Write to banks and other official bodies if you are changing your name
Two weeks before
- Confirm timings with all suppliers in writing
- Try on your wedding outfit and practise walking in your shoes
- Confirm guest numbers and draw up a seating plan
- Order currency and travellers' cheques for the honeymoon
- Enjoy your hen night - and get your groom to hold his stag night
One week before
- Arrange a rehearsal of the ceremony, if required
- Make a list of must-take shots for the photographer
- Make a play list for the DJ, including favourites and anything you hate!
- Check the groom, best man and your dad are all preparing a speech
- Think about making a bride's speech
The day before
- Help to decorate the reception venue, if necessary
- Arrange for the cake to be delivered to the reception venue
- Pack for the honeymoon and have the cases sent to the reception venue
- Have a manicure and pedicure
- Relax and have an early night
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